Meissen Cupid Enchained

- Item No.

Key Features

Item Details

Width:
12 1/2 Inches

Height:
13 Inches

Period:
20th Century

Origin:
Germany/Prussia

This exquisite mythological group by Meissen, entitled Cupid Enchained, is a superb example of the beloved firm's mastery of mythological subjects. First designed in 1788 by C.G. Juchtzer, this enchanting scene is composed of two women, one of whom has ensnared the little god of love with blue ribbon. Meissen was known for exquisite artistry and for taking a wide variety of subjects as inspiration. This figurine displays the superior level of artistry achieved by this famed company's talented artisans. An almost identical figure is featured in Meissen: Collector's Catalogue by Laurence Mitchell.

Features Meissen crossed sword mark in blue underglaze

Circa 1900

12 1/2" wide x 13" high

Reference:Meissen Collector's Catalogue, 2004, Laurence Mitchell

Meissen: The Allure of Continental Porcelain

Early in the 18th century, Augustus the Strong, elector of Saxony, arrested alchemist Johann Friedrich Bottger and imprisoned him in the town of Meissen; his mission, to discover the secret formula for hard paste porcelain. In 1708 Bottger unlocked the mystery and found the key to both porcelain and his freedom, and by 1718 factories began springing up across Europe fostering an atmosphere of ferocious competition.

By 1720, the Meissen factory was producing wares that eclipsed even the finest Chinese porcelain. They dominated the European market and influenced porcelain production around the world.